LOCA LCOMMU NI TYNE WS.CO M | VO L . 9, I SSUE 1 | JULY 14-AUG. 11, 2020
COMPLETE CALENDAR LIST TO PLAN AHEAD
HAPPENING LOCAL PG. 03
NEWS BRIEFS AND BUSINESS OPENINGS
LOCAL LOWDOWN PG. 06
PG. 14 | REAL ESTATE HOME SALES REMAIN STEADY, EVEN DURING OUTBREAK CASTLE HILLS • SHAVANO PARK • NORTH SAN ANTONIO
LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWS LIBRARY TURNS A NEW PAGE DURING COVID-19
BRANCHES REOPEN, BUT WITH CONTACT-FREE PICKUP AND OTHER SERVICES
by COLLETTE ORQUIZ
STRIKING RIGHT NOTE FOR SA FOOD BANK COUNTY LINE MUSIC SERIES AIDS WITH DONATIONS OF FOOD, MONEY
by MIRANDA KOERNER
PG. 04 | OPINION
SUSAN YERKES COVID-19 and a better normal
FOR TWO DECADES, The County Line has been giving back to the San Antonio Food Bank by showcasing up-and-coming artists with its annual Free Music Series.
Though the series is over for the foreseeable future due to restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19, sponsors hope to start it up again down the road to continue helping the community pantry and the less fortunate. The series ran through June. “It’s a win-win-win, when you
think customers get great food, great entertainment, and then they can TUNES continues on pg. 16
PG. 02 | TALK LOCAL
THE RIGHT MESSAGE
ON JUNE 16, the day bookworms had been waiting for arrived — the San Antonio Public Library reopened.
Previously, branches across town had been shuttered for weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, even with libraries open again, those looking to browse the aisles or engage in summer classes will have to wait a little longer. Instead, contact-free pickup is available at all 29 locations and READING continues on pg. 17
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
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VISIT US ONLINE TO FIND OUT MORE AND JOIN THE DISCUSSION ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY. EDITOR TH O MAS E DWARDS tedwards@localcommunitynews.com
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ON THE COVER – Although it’s on hold for now due to the pandemic, the Free Music Series at The County Line, 10101 Interstate 10 West, has drummed up support in donations of both meals and money for the San Antonio Food Bank. For entry, listeners are asked to bring a nonperishable food item. The 20-year program has featured a bevy of country stars including Blake Shelton. Pictured are Jade Marie Patek and her band performing June 18. See the story on page 01. Photo by Collette Orquiz
The LOCAL Community News editorial board includes Jaselle Luna and Thomas Edwards.
Speak Up THE FIRST AMENDMENT guarantees the right to “peaceably … assemble” in protest. It does not permit looting businesses, smashing windows and burning cars.
A string of deaths during law-enforcement encounters — primarily Black men — have provoked righteous outrage. Peaceful demonstrations advocating necessary policing reforms are completely in keeping with the American character. However, some rallies in U.S. cities that began as nonviolent marches sparked isolated but needless destruction. Black lives matter. Parents of color should not have to give “the talk” to their children about what to do when dealing with police. Equal justice under the law is essential to democracy. However, trashing private property and attacking merchants — often in the very communities where injustice occurs — arguably divides, rather than unites, many of us. Terrence Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, an African American who died at the hands of white Minneapolis police, asked protesters to stop rioting. “That’s not going to bring my brother back,” he said, instead urging the election of leaders who support changing the culture and behavior of law officers. Like peaceful demonstrations, voting is a right. Though it may start in the streets, true and lasting reform happens at the ballot box.
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
JULY
PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
HAPPENING
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
Next City Council/ School District Meetings Hollywood Park: 6 p.m. July 21; 2 Mecca Drive
THE CALENDAR IS CURRENT AS OF PRESS TIME, BUT SOME EVENTS MAY HAVE BEEN POSTPONED OR CANCELED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS. ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS MAY BE LIMITED OR STREAMING ONLY. CHECK WITH THE LISTED CONTACTS FOR UPDATES.
Hill Country Village: 5 p.m. Aug. 6;
JULY 16 & AUG. 5
116 Aspen Lane Shavano Park: 6:30 p.m. July 27; 900 Saddletree Court Castle Hills: 6:30 p.m. July 14 & Aug. 11; 209 Lemonwood Drive Northside ISD: 7 p.m. July 28; 5900 Evers Road North East ISD: 5:30 p.m. Aug. 10; 8961 Tesoro Drive
Enjoy a free, 1 p.m. movie for seniors at the Barshop Jewish Community Center’s Holzman Auditorium. Free popcorn. Walk-ins welcome. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway. For updates or cancellations, call 210-302-6860.
SILVER CINEMA
3
JULY 17
OFF AND RUNNING El Chupacabra de San Antonio 5K, 10K begins (and ends) at the Classic Elite soccer fields inside McAllister Park, 11600 Starcrest Drive, at 9 p.m. A flashlight or headlamp is necessary. For registration, plus updates or cancellations, visit https:// www.athleteguild.com/running/sanantonio-tx/2020-el-chupacabra-de-sanantonio-5k-10k.
JULY 22
DISTRICT 9 NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE The group gathers at 7 p.m. in Stone Oak Methodist Hospital, 1139 E. Sonterra Blvd., classrooms No. HAPPENING continues on pg. 05
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OPINION
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
A new and better normal by SUSAN YERKES
NOWADAYS, there’s lots of talk about “the new normal” – a handy description of our altered reality in a post-coronavirus world: Wear masks while shopping, practice social distancing, shelter at home, stockpile toilet paper, don’t touch your face. …
These have become routine in the wake of COVID-19 as we try to keep our communities and ourselves alive and well. Some of them may be around for a while. COVID-19 isn’t going to disappear in the next few months, no matter how desperately we might want to go back to living as we did before the outbreak, when hugs and handshakes didn’t come
with health warnings. It’s going to take more time. Yet, despite the persistence of the virus, the world is opening up again, however haltingly. As it does, I’ve been thinking about what parts of the new
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normal we might want to maintain. To me, the most powerful lesson of the pandemic has been a renewed spirit of caring. When times get tough, Texans rise to the challenge. People across the region started thinking about what they could do for others. Neighbors offered to deliver groceries to those more at risk, folks turned out to donate blood and volunteerism became commonplace. When record numbers hit by the economic shutdown turned to the San Antonio Food Bank, the ranks of volunteers swelled to gather and distribute meals. Others signed over their government stimulus checks to aid the less fortunate. The level of need brought the plight of many families, children and elders into stark relief. As a journalist, I have the privilege of hearing a lot of people’s stories. One of the most heartwarming came from a female reader who moved here from another state for a promising job just months earlier. However, when the pandemic struck, her position was eliminated. Reading stories in LOCAL Community News about how neighbors and neighborhoods assisted each other, she too wrote about wanting to help. “While it’s disappointing and scary (I don’t exactly have a plan yet), I also realize that I’m blessed to receive a severance package that many others who have also lost employment do not have access to,” she told me. “I’d like to use part of my severance to help however I can.” This spirit of giving is not new, but it
seems stronger and more widespread. Each act of kindness is an inspiration. Across town, people are taking the time to show appreciation to essential workers, from health care personnel to supermarket clerks. As Zoom sessions replaced office meetings and support groups, families also started reaching out online, sometimes connecting with distant friends and relatives often out of touch for years. With classrooms shuttered to avoid the spread of the virus, many parents spent more quality time with their children (OK, not always a blessing, but we’re talking positives here). There was an opportunity to cook meals at home, and with restaurants closed, more reason to do so. Also, I’ve never seen so many walkers or bike riders on neighborhood streets and parks. Fresh air and exercise lift the spirit while strengthening the body. People are paying more attention to cleaning and handwashing – habits worth keeping. Life slowed down. There were, and still are, hardships, tragedy and pain. For many, the old normal is gone forever. Now is the time to focus on what’s ahead. As the pandemic passes, life will certainly speed up again. But, we can choose to continue some of the actions and attitudes, which sustained hope and community in these dark times. We can plan and work to shape a better normal in the future. syerkes@localcommunitynews.com
One of the most well-respected and award-winning journalists in South Texas, Susan Yerkes pens a column each month for LOCAL Community News. A veteran of newspapers, television, radio and online, she calls San Antonio home.
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HAPPENING continues from pg. 03
1 and No. 2. The hospital is just off U.S. 281 North. For updates or cancellations, call Art Downey, alliance president, at 210-497-8873.
JULY 23
IT’S A ‘C’ THING This cancer support group for survivors ages 20-40 and their loved ones meets at La Madeleine, 722 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 201, from 6:308 p.m. For updates or cancellations, contact Chelsea Hart at Chelsea. hart@lls.org or call 210-998-5127.
JULY 25
VIRTUAL NATURE WALK AND POETRY Mobi Warren, who possesses a deep love for nature and poetic expression, recites poems from 9-10 a.m. For registration to the free event, plus updates or cancellations, visit https:// www.philhardbergerpark.org/ calendar-events/nature-walk-poetry-innature-1.
JULY 26
SPLASH & DASH RACE The Barshop Jewish Community Center holds a swim/run “Aquathlon” from 8-10 a.m. for ages 5-17. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway. Cost varies. For registration, updates or cancellations, call Tracy Schuleman at 210-302-6909 or visit https://www.jccsanantonio.org/ index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&category=Youth&refno=4977.
JULY 27 FORE!
The Stone Oak Business Association presents a four-person scramble during the third annual Golf Classic HAPPENING continues on pg. 08 LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
LOWDOWN
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
TAKE A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW IN THE COMMUNITY FROM OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS TO NEWS TIDBITS.
Open and Opening Soon
more, call 210-446-9486 or visit 210nourish.com, facebook.com/ NourishHealingCollective.
WAYBACK BURGERS, 1723 N. Loop 1604 East, held a
IN OTHER NEWS
grand opening in late February in the Legacy Shopping Center. The fast-casual eatery serves fresh burgers, milkshakes and more. Curbside pickup and delivery are available. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more, call 210-600-3336 or visit waybackburgers.com or facebook.com/WaybackBurgersSanAntonioTX. (See story on page 18)
NOURISH HEALING COLLECTIVE, 221 W. Rhapsody Drive, Suite 101, bills itself as a holistic hub “for women by women” with offerings ranging from acupuncture and yoga to breath movement and meditation. It reopened July 1 after being closed due to the pandemic. Social distancing rules are in place. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. For
THREE CONVENIENT CAMPUSES SERVING SAN ANTONIO
curb crime,” according to a statement from the department. To join, residents can visit www. shavanopark.org/watch or call 210-492-9248.
THE SHAVANO PARK NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Program, overseen by
ANYONE VISITING CASTLE HILLS CITY HALL must wear a protective
the Police Department, kicked off June 18. The initiative is designed to keep homes, vehicles and residents safe and secure, officials said. “By each of us seeing something suspicious, then saying something by calling the police to investigate, we can work together to continue to
face mask, according to a measure approved June 17 by the City Council. Officials said the masks help limit exposure to a highly infectious strain of coronavirus. City leaders also authorized an interlocal
LOWDOWN SPOTLIGHT
WAYBACK BURGERS I
NORTH CENTRAL:12222 Huebner Rd. 78230 STONE OAK: 20615 Huebner Rd. 78258
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JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
agreement with Bexar County to accept federal COVID-19 relief funds.
REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYERS Carter Campbell, JT Moeller and Matt Scannell were selected to play in the High School Baseball Seniors Celebration doubleheader July 2 at Wolff Stadium. Johnson High School baseball player Aaron Munson was also selected to play in the game, an annual event that matches up players from San Antonio area sub-6A and private schools. The game was sponsored by the San Antonio Missions, along with the San Antonio Area Baseball Coaches Association.
LOWDOWN
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LARKSPUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OFFICIALS recently held several
CASTLE HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL still has slots open for
A SECOND GRAMMY NOD HAS GONE TO Matthew Treviño, a
virtual field trips to keep students engaged during the summer, including to the McNay Art Museum and the city’s Animal Care Services facilities. “Students were able to learn about the importance of Animal Care Services in our city and the importance of taking care of our pets,” said Larkspur summer school Principal Francisco Delgado. “Thanks to our McNay Museum virtual tour guides, our Larkspur Summer School students were able to virtually visit some of the most iconic art pieces in the museum.”
kindergarten students wishing to attend the magnet school in the fall. The year-round campus in the North East Independent School District places a strong emphasis on enrichment; classes focused on science, technology, engineering and math; social emotional learning; and arts integration. Students in the attendance zones for the following elementaries are invited to apply: Colonial Hills, Harmony Hills, Jackson Keller, Larkspur, Ridgeview and Oak Meadow. For more, call 210407-0000.
music teacher at Roan Forest Elementary School. “I believe this nomination is a testament to the amazing things our students are doing and to the value the Roan Forest community places on the music program,” said Treviño, who teaches general music classes for kindergarten through fifth grade at the North East Independent School District campus. The nomination is for a 2021 Music Educator Award, courtesy of the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum. Find LOCAL Lowdown at www.localcommunitynews.com.
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
HAPPENING
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
AUG. 1
AUG. 6-9
@ the Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. RSVP by July 17. Admission fee is $125 for individual golfers. For tee time, plus updates or cancellations, call 210-348-8233.
All military members and guests are invited to an 8-10 a.m. meal at Lupe Tortilla, 21103 U.S. 281 North. For more, contact www. post10.weebly.com.
JULY/AUGUST
MOUNTAIN LODGE
The 2020 Texas Bonsai Convention is at the Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio North Stone Oak, 823 N. Loop 1604 East. Attend workshops, live demonstrations and more. Hear from featured artists, as well. Raffles, plus silent and live auctions offered. You can even bring your own tree. For registration, schedule, updates or cancellations, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/2020texas-bonsai-conventionregistration-77963704539.
HAPPENING continues from pg. 05
AMERICAN LEGION BREAKFAST
NEED A LAUGH?
Comedians are coming to Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 N.W. Loop 410, in Park North shopping center. Entertainers include Jerry Garcia, July 14; JP Sears, July 15; and Tony Rock, July 31-Aug. 2. For stand-up times, plus updates or cancellations, visit https:// improvtx.com/sanantonio/.
AUG. 10
The Mountain Lodge Homeowners Association holds its annual meeting for members 6 p.m. at Canyon Springs Golf Club, 24405 Wilderness Oak Road. Members will review various policies and projects accomplished over the last year, and discuss future plans for the community. For more, call 210561-0606.
BONSAI CONVENTION
THROUGH AUG. 7 CAMP GAN ISRAEL
Providing a Jewish emphasis, the summer sessions at 14535 Blanco Road, presented by Chabad Lubavitch of South Texas, have activities for children. Cost varies. For registration, costs, times and programs, plus updates or cancellations, visit www. GanIsraelSA.com or call 210-7640300.
AUG. 12
STONE OAK POA MEETING The Stone Oak Property Owners Association meets at 7 p.m. in The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. For updates or cancellations, visit http://www. stoneoakpoa.com.
SUMMER
Garden Style San Antonio Your guide to water-saving yards, drought-proof plants & more.
JCC CAMPS The Barshop Jewish Community Center offers sessions for youngsters of various ages. Weekday activities include traditional, sports and specialty programs. The JCC is on the Campus of the San Antonio
Jewish Community, 12500 N.W. Military Highway. For specific times and registration costs, plus updates or cancellations, call 210-302-6859 or visit www. jccsanantonio.org/.
MONDAYS
SO, YOU THINK YOU CAN SING San Antonio Chordsmen, a barbershop chorus, rehearses at 7 p.m. in The Backdoor youth center behind Colonial Hills United Methodist Church, 5247 Vance Jackson Road. Newcomers may audition. For updates or cancellations, visit sachordsmen. org. Meantime, The Friends in Harmony Chorus also exercise vocal cords at 6:45 p.m. at University United Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala Road. For updates or cancellations, contact Wendell Peters at wendellpeters@sbcglobal.net.
TUESDAYS
WEIGHT-LOSS SUPPORT GROUP T.O.P.S., or Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets at 10 a.m. (weighin 9-9:45 a.m.) inside House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 10226 Ironside Drive. For updates or cancellations, call Carolyn at 210415-0937.
TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS OLMOS BASIN FARMERS MARKET San Antonio Farmer’s Market Association offers area growers’ farm-fresh produce from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 100 Jackson Keller Road. For updates or cancellations, visit sanantoniofarmersmarket.org.
THURSDAYS
STONE OAK ROTARY CLUB
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
Guest speakers often visit the club from noon to 1 p.m. at The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. For an updated schedule, visit www. stoneoaksarotary.org.
THURSDAYS
ROTARY CLUB MEETING The Northwest Rotary Club gathers at Outback Steakhouse, 12511 Interstate 10 West, at noon. For updates or cancellations, call 210576-5475.
FRIDAYS
LOCAL PRODUCE Drop by St. Matthew Sports Complex & Recreational Area, 11121 Wurzbach Road, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. as the San Antonio Farmer’s Market Association presents farm-fresh products. For updates or cancellations, visit sanantoniofarmersmarket.org.
SATURDAYS
FARMERS’ MARKETS Come to 16607 Huebner Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for produce, plus baked goods and handcrafted products. For updates or cancellations, visit hillcountryfarmersmarket.org. Also, Four Seasons Market, 11602 Huebner Road in Huebner Oaks shopping center, sells wares from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For updates or cancellations, call 972-884-0680.
SUNDAYS
MEDITATION SESSION Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, will host 10:30-11:30 a.m. meditation classes. The free gathering features concentrated focus for increased awareness, reduced stress and to promote relaxation. All levels welcome; no registration required.
HAPPENING
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Bring a camp chair or exercise mat. For updates or cancellation, call 210-2072703.
HAVE YOU HEARD THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT DENTAL INSURANCE?
ONGOING
NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN North East Independent School District Community Education and Northside Adult & Community Education present two separate programs with courses for all ages. For the former, most classes are taught in NEISD facilities or the district’s Community Learning Center, 8750 Tesoro Drive. For updates or cancellations, visit https:// communityed.neisd.net or call 210-4070140. For the latter, to get info, plus updates or cancellations, visit www. nisd.net/ace.
ONGOING
GOODWILL PICKUPS Goodwill Industries offers donation pickup services at Bexar County residences. For updates or cancellations, call 210-271-8881 or fill out pickup forms available at https://www. goodwillsa.org/donate/home-pickup.
ONGOING
NORTH STAR MALL WALKERS This group of (mainly) seniors enjoy the mall’s pleasant temperatures and smooth flooring to exercise most mornings inside 7400 San Pedro Ave. Participants gather just before 8 a.m. at the food court, and set off singly or in pairs or groups – it’s unstructured. The free activity is open to all. On Thursdays, from 8-9 a.m., meet for coffee and a speaker discussing a topic of general interest. For updates or cancellations, call Ed Dylla at 210-2191057.
SUBMITTING EVENTS: Email all the details along with your contact information two months in advance to tips@localcommunitynews.com. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
HEALTH
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
COVID-19: North Side braces for financial impact SUBURBAN CITIES FACE SIMILAR CHALLENGES by EDMOND ORTIZ
THE CITY IS HELPING vulnerable community members and small businesses on the North Side adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, many local leaders and residents say it’s not enough. Others worry tough financial decisions are needed to counter lost revenues, which some estimate could cost San Antonio
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more than $100 million overall. City Council in early June approved a $191 million plan — partly derived from federal sources — to boost smallbusiness aid, housing security, workforce development and enhanced internet access in the Northside and North East independent school districts and other select neighborhoods to help high school and college students with distance learning. Mayor Ron Nirenberg noted folks require support from local government, especially because many workers lost their jobs or were furloughed. “A majority of people have been affected by this economic crisis and they’re teetering on the edge. They need action. They need relief,” he said. As pandemic cases surged, on June 17, County Judge Nelson Wolff issued an executive directive mandating that businesses require employees and customers to wear protective masks if they are closer than 6 feet to each other. The order took effect five days later, with violations punishable by a $1,000 fine. Alarmed by the renewed spike of COVID-19 cases across
THEY NEED ACTION. THEY NEED RELIEF.
RON NIRENBERG, SAN ANTONIO MAYOR
$191 MILLION PLAN TO BOOST SMALLBUSINESS AID, HOUSING SECURITY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND ENHANCED INTERNET ACCESS
Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott on June 26 ordered bars — which had been open about a month — to close again, directed that restaurants shift to 50 percent capacity and allowed local jurisdictions to take further action, including stay-at-home orders and making masks mandatory. Meanwhile, about $96 million in San Antonio’s relief plan comes from federal emergency dollars, including the $270 million in stimulus funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security — or CARES — Act. The rest is from the city’s general fund, which has seen an income drop — especially in hoteloccupancy taxes and airport usage, declining CPS Energy income and other sources. Yet, many residents pushed for a delay in the plan so the city could reallocate more relief dollars toward emergency housing and workforce development. While city leaders endorsed an emergency relief package, some argued for more small business help. Area businesses such as La Taza Cafe, The Tea Crate, Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar at Huebner Oaks and
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
Antonian College Preparatory High School, Castle Hills and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held a drive-through food drive June 20 at Antonian to benefit Catholic Charities’ food pantry in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo courtesy of JR Trevino
Perico’s Sonterra Boulevard location all closed. El Bosque restaurant shuttered its longtime West Avenue site, hoping to relocate next year. “Small businesses are the backbone of this community. When you look across all the allocations, it’s one of the smallest allocations here,” District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry lamented. District 9 Councilman John Courage advocated more funding for workforce development, and for improving and staffing city swimming pools this summer. The city planned to open less than half of public pools, even with safety protocols. “If we don’t give kids a place to go, things to do that are healthy for them, they’ll find their own ways of amusing themselves,” Courage added. District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez said the outbreak’s financial fallout has shown the city has a ways to go toward addressing complex socioeconomic inequity. “This pandemic has revealed the problems that we’re struggling with have rougher edges than we thought,
that the angles on those edges are rougher than we ever thought,” he added. In an effort to maintain a balanced budget, the city continues to furlough employees, primarily in departments and programs reliant on hotel-occupancy taxes and convention and visitor-related revenues. The city is eyeing potential cuts and a hiring freeze in the fiscal year 2021 budget. “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on our economy that has been felt in our sales-tax revenue, hotel occupancy tax and parking revenue — just to name a few,” City Manager Erik Walsh said in a news release. “Balancing the FY 2021 budget will be difficult, and we’re providing residents the opportunity to learn about these fiscal challenges and ask questions at a number of virtual meetings.” Castle Hills, Hill Country Village, Hollywood Park and Shavano Park have maintained limited capacity and safety protocols in their public facilities, parks and common areas. Some cities have resumed public attendance at government meetings. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
HEALTH
Others are just now realizing the pandemic’s direct financial effects. Hollywood Park reported sales tax revenues were down 18 percent in April and 26 percent in May compared with those months in 2019. But other revenue streams remained stable. “The city is still in good financial shape,” Hollywood Park treasurer Jeff Hinson said. Castle Hills and Hollywood Park leaders helped to distribute personal protective equipment, secured from Bexar County, to several of their local businesses. “As our Castle Hills business neighbors get back on track and help boost our local economy, we can help support them, too,” Alderman Joe Izbrand said. Heeding public health requirements,
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Hollywood Park, Shavano Park and San Antonio opted against holding their traditional Independence Day celebrations. But Shavano Park officials are mulling details of a small event to celebrate community amenities added near City Hall. “I think there’s going to be an appropriate time and place to do a pavilion grand opening and (walking) trail opening at some point,” City Manager Bill Hill said. NEISD, among other school districts, is preparing for the possibility of reopening campuses. Officials have adjusted the 2020-2021 academic calendars to make up for instruction time lost to school closures over the spring semester. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
GOVERNMENT
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
Remote control used by leaders during COVID-19 by EILEEN PACE
KEEPING GOVERNMENTS open to the public during a pandemic can be a tall order.
When COVID-19 hit, community leaders scrambled to respond to a problem they’d never encountered before: how to maintain open government while also curtailing public gatherings to limit the spread of the highly infectious strain of novel coronavirus. Technology has played a vital role keeping people in touch with elected
leaders, said District 9 Councilman John Courage. He likes the video option, at least for this emergency.
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“It’s the next-best thing, and I really miss meeting with people,” Courage said. “It’s harder to tell what people are thinking if you can’t see them face-to-face. But we held a teleconference town hall and it went great.” Added District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez, “One of the benefits my constituents have mentioned is that technology allows us to meet the residents where they are. We can meet electronically in their living room — and they love that. Or (City) Council members don’t have to miss a meeting if they have to go out of town — they can attend from wherever they are.” During the early days of the pandemic, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff began broadcasting a daily coronavirus update. They advised the community on new outbreak numbers, hospitalizations and deaths. In addition, Wolff said monthly meetings with the county’s other municipalities increased and he became available for whatever the 26 suburban cities needed, including updates on the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which addresses economic shortfalls brought on by the pandemic. In March, residents were told to stay home unless engaged in an essential business or making a necessary trip — buying groceries, going to a medical appointment and others — and to maintain social distancing and wear protective masks. In June, as the city experienced a surge in new cases, similar orders went out — including a wireless emergency alert warning people to stay home on a weekend night.
Classrooms also closed as students learned from home, often through distance instruction. As lockdowns and stay-athome orders came and went, text messages, social-media posts, automated phone calls and online-facilitated meetings joined streaming services, public-access television channels and the news media to keep residents abreast of government developments. San Antonio added a special COVID-19 information page to its website, where the virus was first announced on Jan. 30. Visit https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/ About-COVID-19/Dashboards-Data. Gov. Greg Abbott waived certain elements of the Texas Open Meetings Act so residents’ right to attend council sessions would be protected, even if done so remotely. According to The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, Abbott suspended the portion of the act requiring governments to provide a physical space for the public to attend the meetings. This allowed city councils and committees to meet using Zoom, Webex and other technologies — or even conference over the telephone. San Antonio has been building its video conferencing department for several years using YouTube, Zoom and other channels that are easily accessible to those who have internet. Pelaez said technology adjustments for the quarantine were minor issues for San Antonio. “Our IT Department is the boss on that,” he said. “Depending on the room we meet in, we might be on Webex or Skype, or GoToMeeting or Zoom. For the City Council B Sessions, which
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
are basically workshops where we don’t vote on anything, we don’t hold physical space right now. Everyone is on video.” But in smaller communities, some with older populations, accessing government through technology proved a bit more difficult. Some cities had little trouble switching to online meetings. But because residents have varying degrees of technical expertise, each suburban community had to adapt to constituents’ capabilities. In Castle Hills, council meetings have been recorded for about five years and are made available using UStream. Mayor JR Treviño runs the Zoom software for the live council meetings, which are still held in council chambers with social distancing. “I purposely mute everyone because dogs barking or doorbells ringing are distracting, but everyone still can participate,” Treviño said. “Zoom has a hand-raising function. There’s also a chat function where anyone can ask a question and we can answer it.” Treviño said residents who don’t want to use a computer can call in to the Zoom meeting on their telephones. Townspeople are permitted to come to the meetings, but are encouraged to stay home and attend online. “Thanks to our fire chief, we have a system now where everyone who comes has their temperature checked,” the mayor said. Treviño said he also has been using video conferencing to do interviews with local health officials during the pandemic. “It’s a little difficult to find the medium that reaches the most people, but as we post these things online, we keep learning,” he said.
Hollywood Park has space for a little more than 50 residents in the council chambers, according to a resident’s recent social-media post. The mayor and council members did not respond to calls and emails by press time. From the HollywoodPark-tx. gov website: “In addition to GET CONNECTED, we have a Hollywood Park Facebook page, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter account. You can choose to follow us on any of those media types.” A letter from the mayor posted on the city’s website urges residents to wash their hands and wear masks. Also posted is a response to the governor’s disaster declaration, laying claim to disaster relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other sources. Hill Country Village has been using telephone conferencing since March to provide access to council meetings. “We also have council members calling in, so it can get a little messy trying to figure out if the person speaking is a citizen or a council member,” Mayor Gabriel DurandHollis said. “When we vote, we name the council person and they say, ‘yea’ or ‘nay.’ It can get confusing. But it’s important that everybody can participate.” Shavano Park Mayor Bob Werner said they’ve been following the governor’s orders for social distancing, but have had some council members meeting electronically since March. However, City Hall is locked down and residents are not allowed in council chambers at this time. Neighbors join the meetings by telephone or by video conference, and Werner said the city has been able to maintain the rules for LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
GOVERNMENT
speaking, just as if the meeting were held in person at City Hall. Werner said Shavano Park has been using GoToMeetings during the COVID-19 crisis, and residents can see the council members in the chambers on one camera — but will view on a separate camera any council member who attends the meeting remotely. “When we go forward, we’d like to have a smoother operation so people can view all the council members on a split-screen. We’re still in the tweaking stage,” he said. Werner said the future could bring more electronic meetings, but he still feels in-person sessions are best. Courage added that as more people become accustomed to video
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meetings, they’re thinking of new ways to utilize them. “Most neighborhood meetings are online now, and I can tune in and become a participant. It’s important for all of us as representatives of these neighborhoods to stay in contact as closely as possible,” Courage said. Pelaez predicts video conferencing will become the subject of new legislation in the next session in Austin, set for January. “It works just as well for hundreds of participants — or just a few,” Pelaez said. “Constituents want to know if there’s a way we can do this after COVID.” Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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REAL ESTATE
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
Housing market chugs along during pandemic SALES SLOW DOWN, BUT PRICES REMAIN STRONG WITH LOW INTEREST RATES by TRAVIS E. POLING
HOME SALES IN MAY declined by more than 20 percent across the North Side from Castle Hills to Stone Oak, while average and median prices rose in seven of the 11 area ZIP codes.
Despite a pandemic and stay-at-home orders in place from mid-March into May, San Antonio-area and North Side sales are still happening and potential buyers are still looking.
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“We have a lot of serious buyers,” said Joyce Marie Jackson, a Realtor with Kimberly Howell Properties. “Before COVID-19, they were looking. Now they’re serious.” Sales across the North Side of San Antonio totaled 418 in May, compared to 546 closed deals in May of last year, according to Multiple Listing Service data from the San Antonio Board of Realtors. Jackson said with more buyers taking the increased downtime to get out of the house and putting home buying at the top of the list, the numbers could be even better for June as more deals close. Those figures were pending at press time. Across the Stone Oak area and nearby developments north of Loop 1604, average sales prices were generally up or flat as sellers were still getting close to the asking price. In the 78258 ZIP code, the average price on 75 houses sold in May was up a healthy 9.2 percent to $422,254 and the median sales price was flat at $340,000. In 78231, which includes Shavano Park, four home sales in May brought an average of $303,250, a drop of 41 percent from the same
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month last year. Those were likely sales in San Antonio neighborhoods because residential real estate inside the Shavano Park city limits demands much higher prices. The biggest price improvement in the area was in 78248, east of Shavano Park and west of Blanco Road inside Loop 1604. The 14 sales weighed in at an average of $445,350, up 16 percent from the same period last year. The 78213 area, which includes Castle Hills, also had an up month with a rise of 24 percent for an average price of $276,024. Ivette Sanchez, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, has been busy and others in the industry have told her the same thing, she said. With little inventory available, mortgage rates at around 3 percent and time on their hands, buyers are out in full force. “We are living in a crazy market right now,” Sanchez said. “People are trying to upgrade because of the low rates and having the time to shop. One of the lenders I work with says their volume has doubled.” Citywide, apartment rental rates had been climbing for years, including reaching new highs by 2020’s first quarter, according
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
78258
78248
HOUSES SOLD
HOUSES SOLD
(AVERAGE)
(AVERAGE)
75
$422,254
78231
4
14
$445,350
78213
18
HOUSES SOLD
HOUSES SOLD
(AVERAGE)
(AVERAGE)
$303,250
$276,024
FIGURES ARE FROM MAY 2020
to an analysis of a national database from Apartment List/ Rentometer. However, job loss associated with the pandemic, and an overall softening economy, caused a slight drop in average rates in May. Rents declined 0.3 percent from April to May, and were virtually unchanged from last May. The median for a one-bedroom and twobedroom unit is $856 and $1,076, respectively. “This is the second straight month that the city has seen rent decreases after an increase in March. San Antonio’s year-over-year rent growth lags the state average of 0.6 percent, as well as the national average of 0.8 percent,” according to Apartment List. Across the San Antonio metropolitan area in May, home sales fell 20 percent from last year to 2,869, according to the MLS report. However, it is rebounding from April, when the number of sales dipped to 2,748. The city and county issued shelter-in-place directives in March, plus ordered the closure of nonessential businesses, to thwart the coronavirus spread. Some of those mandates were lifted weeks later, LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
REAL ESTATE
though what some are calling a second wave is prompting new safety measures, including masks at work. May’s pending sales, many with closing dates in June, numbered 3,745, up from 2,652 pending sales at the end of April. “This indicates that home buying and selling is still on the move, even amidst the changing times of the pandemic,” according to a statement from SABOR. “While we saw a little downward trend this month compared to May 2019, if we’re looking at total numbers for the year, the sales numbers are only a 0.3 percent decrease, so we’re near par for year-to-date home sales,” said Kim Bragman, SABOR’s 2020 chairwoman. “Also, we entered into
15
June with total number of pending sales up by 20 percent, which is promising for an upward trajectory to round out the year, as we move into summer buying months.” Bragman added, “We have to remember the magnitude of what we have experienced across the world and expect that we will see some numbers that change the trend, but we are optimistic when looking at the big picture that momentum will keep driving forward in the housing market,” Bragman said. Overall, San Antonio home costs didn’t suffer despite a slight decline in sales. MLS data shows the average price in May climbed 3 percent to $281,353 and median prices swelled 2 percent to $242,400. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com.
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
SERVICES
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
TUNES continues from pg. 01
actually help someone put a meal on their table as well,” said Eric Cooper, food bank president and CEO. Concerts were livestreamed in May and the first one with an in-person audience was June 4. The series is sponsored by Ancira Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Attendance is free, but donations of a nonperishable food item or money for the food bank are suggested. Since the city shut down in midMarch, and many were laid off or furloughed, the food bank’s demand has doubled from providing food to 60,000 to 120,000 people each week. Cooper said many of their events have
been canceled or postponed, including a 5-kilometer run and golf tournaments. The County Line’s free concerts were Thursdays at the eatery, 10101 Interstate 10 West. “(The food bank has) been through hurricanes with County Line, through the recession, a government shutdown, and now COVID-19,” said Sophia Rangel, food and fund drive coordinator. “I feel like it’s never tested that relationship. It’s never been a question of whether or not they were going to be there for us.” The County Line has fed more than 1 million people since the beginning of the series and featured well-known names such as Blake Shelton, Bart Crow Band, Pat Green and more. Mike Crenwelge, general manager of The County Line, has worked for the
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restaurant 40 years, and said giving back to the community means everything to him. The County Line and the food bank share a common goal — making sure people don’t go hungry. “It was and has remained a perfect relationship. They don’t just show up to collect food and donations. They have really gotten behind the series and help us get the word out,” Crenwelge said. “Rib King” Randy Goss, a cofounder of the restaurant who died in 2010, created the music series. Crenwelge said Goss loved the idea of free concerts with a purpose. The restaurant is abiding by social-distancing rules; tables and chairs are spaced 6 feet apart. When not eating or drinking, patrons are required to wear masks after an executive order from Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff that went into effect June 22. Small Town Habit singer Krystal Franklin said The County Line is one of the group’s favorite spots. “They have gone out of their way to make it safe for everyone. Everyone is still keeping their distance and doing what they’re supposed to be doing, but instead of sitting in their backyard (patrons were) sitting under the beautiful sky listening to music,” Franklin said. Over the years, many groups have gotten involved in the series, including the San Antonio Parrot Head Club, a Jimmy Buffett fan organization. Each Thursday, 10 or more members show up to help educate people about the food bank’s mission. David Mather said his wife, Karen, created the local chapter. The group, which has a motto of “partying with a purpose,” has
been helping at the music series for a dozen years. “It’s a great cause, it’s fun and good music. You get to see a lot of people, interact with people and just kind of spread the story about the food bank,” said Mather, who is a member. The group has collected up to $1,000 in a two-hour period. “They’re huge advocates for us and they’re there pretty much every Thursday and they help us throughout the year,” Rangel said. “You’re automatically greeted with excitement and the mission and people inviting you in. It just kind of gets you in the mood.” The food bank’s most wanted food items include peanut butter, cereal, tuna, beans, rice, macaroni and cheese, chili and soups, canned lunch meats, pet food, and any pop-top items or full meals in cans or boxes. Baby food and diapers are also accepted. Monetary donations remain welcome. While people normally are very generous, Mather said during the past few weeks they’ve given even more because of the pandemic. Over the years, The County Line has collected thousands of dollars for the food bank. Officials say $1 equals seven meals for the community. “It’s just been this tradition. It’s been a tradition that you can count on,” Cooper said. For updates on when the series restarts, call 210-641-1998 or visit countyline.com/san_antonio. Find this story and more at www.localcommunitynews.com.
JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
READING continues from pg. 01
virtual services and programs are offered. That’s the story at Cody Branch Library, 11441 Vance Jackson Road, the Parman Branch Library, 20735 Wilderness Oak Road, and other sites. “It has been great to see our patrons, if only through the front doors,” said Theresa Garza, Cody branch manager. “Contact-free pickup is a new service model for us, but we quickly figured out the best way to get materials to our patrons.” So far, she hasn’t heard any complaints. “Our community has been very understanding of our safety protocols, and while many would like to come
in and browse the collection, they understand and appreciate the precautions we are taking,” Garza said. “Our staff is happy to be back at work, and are thankful for the policies the city has put in place to help keep us healthy.” Garza said the staff adheres to social-distancing regulations and wears protective masks “when we are working closely with someone. We also have plenty of hand sanitizer and wash our hands often.” Physical visits to the interior of the library branches and Central Library are still in the future, given the latest surge in COVID-19 cases. But even with contact-free pickup, librarians say it’s good to be back in business.
At the Parman Branch Library in Stone Oak, Children’s Librarian Lisa Taylor (left) and Library Manager Barbara Kwiatkowski put together activity packets that kids can pick up and do at home. Photo by Collette Orquiz
LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
SERVICES
“We don’t have plans to reopen inperson services until (later). With the uptick in cases, it may be awhile,” said Haley Holmes, the library system’s public services manager. “But there’s a lot of programming on our website and alternative at-home options.” One is Dial-A-Story, in which librarians record a tale in both English and Spanish for children’s listening pleasure. The story changes every week. The library has also virtual programming on its website and Facebook page, including such offerings as Hidden from History: Exploring San Antonio’s LGBTQ Past, a Pride Virtual Museum sponsored by the Pruitt Branch Library, an online memoir writing class, Dinosaur
17
George, tackling job interviews, live chess games, shadow camp for kids and many more. Using Zoom and online password access to YouTube pages or outside websites, like the shadow camp, librarians have been able to keep patrons socially engaged with their friends in a safe manner. “The programs are all over the place,” said Marcella McGowan, adult services librarian at the Cody branch. “With the streaming stuff, it has to be in coordination with two of the branches. I was the co-host for one Wednesday with a librarian from another branch who was working from home. Since we’re doing it online, we want at least READING continues on pg. 19
18 EAT
L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
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One of the items available at Wayback Burgers is the double-bacon cheeseburger with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard. Photo by Collette Orquiz
“It caters to a community that normally can’t have any kind of association with bacon or beef, and since we’re halal-certified, we can serve them,” Sosa said. “If someone’s never had a burger, they can come in and enjoy one.” The franchise opened in January at 1723 N. Loop 1604 East. Another location is in the works for Universal City. Sosa, a 25-year-old from Kingsville and a Baylor University business graduate, said he’s always wanted to run his own place. Formerly known as Jake’s Hamburgers, the 29-year-old chain was founded in Delaware, but today has grown to almost 200 franchise locations globally. The menu includes four signature burgers, as well as a “craft your own” option. “They’re a little bit juicier than your average burger,” Sosa said.
Popular selections include the double bacon, featuring four slices of crispy bacon layered between two patties with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, ketchup and mustard; and the Cheeeesy, with four slices of American cheese and two patties on inverted, grilled and buttered buns. “I guess you have to try it for yourself to tell the difference, but it’s just a better burger,” Sosa said. Other options include a buffalo chicken sandwich, a cheesesteak, cod, hot dogs, chicken fingers and a chicken BLT. Side dishes are bacon-cheese or chili-cheese fries, Irish nachos, tater tots, onion rings and more. There are 11 sauces, including the Wayback Gold, a mixture of barbecue sauce and mustard. A milkshake bar lets diners indulge in 11 flavors. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Find this EAT Local at www. localcommunitynews.com.
WAYBACK BURGERS
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JULY 14 - AUG. 11, 2020
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L O CA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S
READING continues from pg. 17
two people — one to do the class and one to read and respond to the questions as they come in.” The librarians try to keep the Zoom classes small, as they’ve noticed more participants mean less bandwidth and more technology problems. And with branches all over town working together, librarians are getting the chance to work with patrons who may have never come to their own branch. “We help each other out,” McGowan said. “We’ve had multiple Zoom meetings on how to use the technology. We’ve had classes on editing software and how to use the technology. We’re very resourceful, so we’ll figure out a way to use it. We’re still figuring out a way to (do) livestreaming. It’s all virtual.” She added, “We want to stay relevant and this is just another way to get our services out there.” For those who want an actual book, the curbside drop-off program is alive and well. Readers are now finally able to return books they may have borrowed before the shutdown,
Although the San Antonio Public Library system has reopened, patrons still can’t browse inside due to efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Instead, book orders can be placed on hold and brought out to readers for contact-less pickup. Photo by Collette Orquiz
as well as pick up new ones selected through the library website or by phone. When coming to retrieve their new books, patrons wait for a notification by phone or e-mail and go to the location. Once at the site, patrons call the library and give their card number. A librarian will come out and leave the books on the table for patrons to collect. There are also take-home take-and-make kits for adults and children for patrons to pick up in bags at the tables. “We do miss the patrons and oneon-one interaction, especially our children’s librarians,” Holmes said. “It’s hard with children to maintain social distancing. One of my librarians is worried because her kids run up and hug her, and they can’t do that. But virtually, it’s more options for those who couldn’t make the time or make it in. We’re trying to offer as much as we can virtually and work on options for people without technology. We want to make sure we do the best we can to protect our patrons and staff.” For more on programming, visit http://guides.mysapl.org/here4u. Find this story and more at www. localcommunitynews.com. LOCALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM
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all-electric or an intelligent combination of both. Plus, with features like eBoost Instant Acceleration, and the ability to upload directions and precondition the *cannot be combined with any other discount.One special offer per customer.Must mention coupon at the time of visit. cabin climate remotely from smartphone, you can take charge of the road, Restrictions may apply. Promotions expireyour 07/15/2020 the office and beyond from behind the wheel.